Red Weather Warning Issued For Parts Of Britain As Strong Winds To Hit

The Met Office has issued a red weather warning - the most severe level of threat - for "exceptionally strong winds" of up to 100mph in western parts of Wales and some north-western parts of England tonight.

Winds of 80mph are expected widely in those areas and gusts could reach up to 100mph in the most exposed locations, potentially hitting power supplies, bringing down trees and causing widespread damage.

In addition, large waves could affect some coastal areas.

A storm bringing winds of up to 100mph is set to hit the UK

Water surrounds flooded properties in the village of Moorland Somerset.

The latest bad weather warnings come as a government minister warned there was no "blank cheque" to pay for repairing the damage of weeks of storm and floods that have affected parts of the country.

The Met Office has also forecast 70mm (2.75 inches) of rain by Friday in the already sodden West Country - more than the region would normally get in the whole of February - with south Wales, western Scotland, Northern Ireland and other parts of southern England also expected to bear the brunt of the deluge.

Prime Minister David Cameron, who chaired a meeting of the Government's Cobra emergencies committee in 10 Downing Street on Wednesday morning, promised yesterday that "money is no object" in offering relief to those affected by the floods.

Fire and Rescue crew help evacuate residents from flood-affected homes near the river Thames.

But Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin indicated that there would be "careful consideration" before money is spent on the larger rebuilding exercise of restoring damaged infrastructure after water levels recede.

"I don't think it's a blank cheque," Mr McLoughlin told ITV1's Daybreak. "I think what the Prime Minister was making very clear is that we are going to use every resource of the Government and money is not the issue while we are in this relief job, in the first instance, of trying to bring relief to those communities that are affected.

"Then we have got to do the repairs of the structures and the railway infrastructure that's been damaged and then the other long-term issues, which will need some careful consideration."

Resident Kellie Evans makes her to work through flood water in Wraysbury.

At the Cobra meeting, Environment Agency chief executive Paul Leinster told the Prime Minister that flooding could reach levels last seen in 1947 in some parts of the UK, though he said improvements in defences since that point meant that fewer homes were expected to be inundated.

"Oxford to Maidenhead we think could rise over the next five days and may lead to more flooding in that area," Mr Leinster told the committee.

"Below Maidenhead, the levels are holding at the current level but potentially over the weekend and going into the beginning of next week they could rise to higher than the current levels."

Major General Patrick Sanders, who is coordinating the military response, told the meeting that around 2,000 military personnel are involved in the clean-up operation and support in Somerset was increased overnight.

Cameron has cancelled a planned trip to the Middle East to take personal charge of the response to the flooding crisis.

Tomorrow he will chair the first meeting of a new Cabinet committee set up to oversee the recovery effort.

"Money is no object in this relief effort. Whatever money is needed for it will be spent," he said.

Sixteen severe flood warnings - indicating a danger to life - remained in place in Berkshire, Surrey and Somerset on Wednesday, with a further 122 flood warnings and 225 flood alerts. There were warnings that high winds could bring down trees and cause disruption to transport and power supplies.

Homes and transport have been hit by the bad weather

Residents in Staines, Surrey, were evacuated from their flood-hit homes during the night, while around 1,000 homes in the Thameside village of Datchet were left without electricity during the night after power cuts which initially affected 1,700 properties.

About 100 properties remain flooded on the Somerset Levels, where extra pumps are being brought in from the Netherlands, and groundwater flooding is also expected in the coming days in Hampshire, Kent and parts of London. The Thames barrier closed again yesterday to protect communities to the west of the capital.

Since the beginning of December, a total of 5,800 premises have flooded - although the Environment Agency also stressed that 1.3 million have been protected by defences.

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UK Winter Floods

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Workers build flood defences.

This entire property is submerged.

The waters engulf the village of Moorland.

West Yeo Farm and Newhouse Farm.

Devastated farmland.

Water surrounds flooded propeties in the village of Moorland.

Another shot of West Yeo Farm and Newhouse Farm.

The village of Moorland.

The village of Moorland.

The village of Moorland.

The village of Moorland.

The village of Moorland.

The village of Moorland.

The village of Moorland.

Workers continue to build flood defences around a house.

Flood water surrounds the main railway line.

The village of Moorland.

Another view of Moorland.

The village of Muchelney.

Another devastated farmhouse.

The village of Muchelney.

Flood water covers the road to the village of Muchelney.

Flood water surrounds a farm on the road to the village of Muchelney.

A car is left parked on a flooded road on the Somerset Levels.

Flood water surrounds Horsey Farm close to the village of Muchelney.

Submerged Somerset farmland.

Flood water continues to cover farmland.

A postman delivers letters in Bridge near Canterbury, Kent, as river levels continue to rise in the area. Picture date: Monday February 10, 2014. See PA story WEATHER Floods. Photo credit should read: Gareth Fuller/PA Wire

Floodwater surrounds an oast house in Littlebourne, Kent, as river levels continue to rise in the area.

Labour leader Ed Miliband (right) and Labour's Parliamentary Candidate for Reading West, Victoria Groulef (left), speak with a local resident during a visit to the view recent flooding in Purley on Thames in Berkshire.

Labour leader Ed Miliband (right) and Victoria Groulef (centre), Labour's Parliamentary Candidate for Reading West, during a visit to the view recent flooding in Purley on Thames in Berkshire.

Residents brave the flood water in Purley on Thames as they walk along a flooded street.

Volunteers help residents brave the flood water in Purley on Thames.

Volunteers help residents brave the flood water in Purley on Thames.

A local volunteer helps ferry local residents of Purley on Thames up a flooded street.

Water is pumped away from the Kenley Water Treatment works in Croydon down Godstone Road towards the Purley Cross underpass in a bid to save local homes and businesses from the threat of flooding.

A car in flood water in Cork city.

Prime Minister David Cameron with Bridgwater and West Somerset MP Ian Liddell-Grainger (right) during a visit to Goodings Farm in Fordgate, Somerset.

The river Avon in Bristol, floods surrounding roads.

A woman walks through flood water in Cork city.

A car in the floodwater at Burrowbridge, Somerset.

A postman delivers letters in Bridge near Canterbury, Kent, as river levels continue to rise in the area. Picture date: Monday February 10, 2014.

A warning sign sits in water in a flood storage reservoir near Ashford, Kent, as river levels continue to rise in the area.

Residents Ian Peacock and Caroline Hine leave the Little Venice Caravan Park in Yalding, Kent, as flood waters return to the site after recent bad weather.

The river Thames in Twickenham, west London floods surrounding roads.

BRIDGWATER, UNITED KINGDOM - FEBRUARY 10: Flood water continues to cover farmland on the Somerset Levels near Bridgwater on February 10, 2014 in Somerset, England. Thousands of acres of the Somerset Levels have been under water for weeks, yet flood levels are still rising and worryingly, more rain is forecast for later this week. (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images)

BRIDGWATER, UNITED KINGDOM - FEBRUARY 10: Flood water continues to cover farmland on the Somerset Levels near Bridgwater on February 10, 2014 in Somerset, England. Thousands of acres of the Somerset Levels have been under water for weeks, yet flood levels are still rising and worryingly, more rain is forecast for later this week. (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images)

BRIDGWATER, UNITED KINGDOM - FEBRUARY 10: Flood water surrounds the village of Muchelney on the Somerset Levels near Langport on February 10, 2014 in Somerset, England. Thousands of acres of the Somerset Levels have been under water for weeks, yet flood levels are still rising and worryingly, more rain is forecast for later this week. (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images)

BRIDGWATER, UNITED KINGDOM - FEBRUARY 10: Flood water continues to cover farmland close to James Winslade's West Yeo Farm and Newhouse Farm in Moorland on the Somerset Levels near Bridgwater on February 10, 2014 in Somerset, England. Thousands of acres of the Somerset Levels have been under water for weeks, yet flood levels are still rising and worryingly, more rain is forecast for later this week. (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images)

BRIDGWATER, UNITED KINGDOM - FEBRUARY 10: A car is left parked on a flooded road on the Somerset Levels near Langport on February 10, 2014 in Somerset, England. Thousands of acres of the Somerset Levels have been under water for weeks, yet flood levels are still rising and worryingly, more rain is forecast for later this week. (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images)

BRIDGWATER, UNITED KINGDOM - FEBRUARY 10: Flood water continues to cover farmland on the Somerset Levels near Bridgwater on February 10, 2014 in Somerset, England. Thousands of acres of the Somerset Levels have been under water for weeks, yet flood levels are still rising and worryingly, more rain is forecast for later this week. (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images)

BRIDGWATER, UNITED KINGDOM - FEBRUARY 10: Flood water continues to cover farmland on the Somerset Levels near Bridgwater on February 10, 2014 in Somerset, England. Thousands of acres of the Somerset Levels have been under water for weeks, yet flood levels are still rising and worryingly, more rain is forecast for later this week. (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images)

BRIDGWATER, UNITED KINGDOM - FEBRUARY 10: Flood water surrounds Horsey Farm close to the village of Muchelney on the Somerset Levels near Langport on February 10, 2014 in Somerset, England. Thousands of acres of the Somerset Levels have been under water for weeks, yet flood levels are still rising and worryingly, more rain is forecast for later this week. (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images)

A car sits in floodwater in the village of Wraysbury, Berkshire, South East England on February 10, 2014. Thousands of homes in southeast England were braced for flooding on Monday after the River Thames burst its banks, as a political row over the handling of devastating winter storms erupted into the open. The Environment Agency issued 14 severe flood warnings -- meaning lives are at risk -- for the Thames in the affluent counties of Surrey and Berkshire to the west of London. AFP PHOTO / BEN STANSALL (Photo credit should read BEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images)

BRIDGWATER, UNITED KINGDOM - FEBRUARY 10: Flood water surrounds Horsey Farm close to the village of Muchelney on the Somerset Levels near Langport on February 10, 2014 in Somerset, England. Thousands of acres of the Somerset Levels have been under water for weeks, yet flood levels are still rising and worryingly, more rain is forecast for later this week. (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images)

BRIDGWATER, UNITED KINGDOM - FEBRUARY 10: Flooded propeties are seen as water surrounds the village of Moorland on the Somerset Levels on February 10, 2014 in Somerset, England. Thousands of acres of the Somerset Levels have been under water for weeks, yet flood levels are still rising and worryingly, more rain is forecast for later this week. (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images)

BRIDGWATER, UNITED KINGDOM - FEBRUARY 10: Flood water surrounds the village of Muchelney on the Somerset Levels near Langport on February 10, 2014 in Somerset, England. Thousands of acres of the Somerset Levels have been under water for weeks, yet flood levels are still rising and worryingly, more rain is forecast for later this week. (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images)

BRIDGWATER, UNITED KINGDOM - FEBRUARY 10: Flood water surrounds a farm on the road to the village of Muchelney on the Somerset Levels near Langport on February 10, 2014 in Somerset, England. Thousands of acres of the Somerset Levels have been under water for weeks, yet flood levels are still rising and worryingly, more rain is forecast for later this week. (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images)

BRIDGWATER, UNITED KINGDOM - FEBRUARY 10: Water surrounds flooded propeties in the village of Moorland on the Somerset Levels near Bridgwater on February 10, 2014 in Somerset, England. Thousands of acres of the Somerset Levels have been under water for weeks, yet flood levels are still rising and worryingly, more rain is forecast for later this week. (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images)

BRIDGWATER, UNITED KINGDOM - FEBRUARY 10: Flooded propeties are seen as water surrounds the village of Moorland on the Somerset Levels near Bridgwater on February 10, 2014 in Somerset, England. Thousands of acres of the Somerset Levels have been under water for weeks, yet flood levels are still rising and worryingly, more rain is forecast for later this week. (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images)

BRIDGWATER, UNITED KINGDOM - FEBRUARY 10: Water surrounds flooded propeties in the village of Moorland on the Somerset Levels near Bridgwater on February 10, 2014 in Somerset, England. Thousands of acres of the Somerset Levels have been under water for weeks, yet flood levels are still rising and worryingly, more rain is forecast for later this week. (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images)

A gerneral view shows a property surrounded by floodwater in the village of Wraysbury in Berkshire, South East England, on February 10, 2014. Thousands of homes in southeast England were braced for flooding on Monday after the River Thames burst its banks, as a political row over the handling of devastating winter storms erupted into the open. The Environment Agency issued 14 severe flood warnings -- meaning lives are at risk -- for the Thames in the affluent counties of Surrey and Berkshire to the west of London. AFP PHOTO / BEN STANSALL (Photo credit should read BEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images)

BRIDGWATER, UNITED KINGDOM - FEBRUARY 10: Flooded properties are seen as water surrounds the village of Moorland on the Somerset Levels on February 10, 2014 in Somerset, England. Thousands of acres of the Somerset Levels have been under water for weeks, yet flood levels are still rising and worryingly, more rain is forecast for later this week. (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images)

BRIDGWATER, UNITED KINGDOM - FEBRUARY 10: Flooded propeties are seen as water surrounds the village of Moorland on the Somerset Levels on February 10, 2014 in Somerset, England. Thousands of acres of the Somerset Levels have been under water for weeks, yet flood levels are still rising and worryingly, more rain is forecast for later this week. (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images)

BRIDGWATER, UNITED KINGDOM - FEBRUARY 10: Flood water continues to cover farmland close to James Winslade's West Yeo Farm and Newhouse Farm in Moorland on the Somerset Levels near Bridgwater on February 10, 2014 in Somerset, England. Thousands of acres of the Somerset Levels have been under water for weeks, yet flood levels are still rising and worryingly, more rain is forecast for later this week. (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images)

A cyclist crosses the flooded train tracks in Datchet in Berkshire, South East England, on February 10, 2014. Thousands of homes in southeast England were braced for flooding on Monday after the River Thames burst its banks, as a political row over the handling of devastating winter storms erupted into the open. The Environment Agency issued 14 severe flood warnings -- meaning lives are at risk -- for the Thames in the affluent counties of Surrey and Berkshire to the west of London. AFP PHOTO / BEN STANSALL (Photo credit should read BEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images)

DATCHET, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 10: Residents pull a boat containing possessions from a house threatened by rising flood water after the river Thames burst it's banks on February 10, 2014 in Datchet, England. The Environment Agency has issued severe flood warnings for a number of areas on the river Thames west of London. (Photo by Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images)

A man pulls sandbags along on a handcart in Datchet in Berkshire, South East England, on February 10, 2014. Thousands of homes in southeast England were braced for flooding on Monday after the River Thames burst its banks, as a political row over the handling of devastating winter storms erupted into the open. The Environment Agency issued 14 severe flood warnings -- meaning lives are at risk -- for the Thames in the affluent counties of Surrey and Berkshire to the west of London. AFP PHOTO / BEN STANSALL (Photo credit should read BEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images)

A display car at a car dealership sits on a ramp above floodwater in Datchet in Berkshire, South East England, on February 10, 2014. Thousands of homes in southeast England were braced for flooding on Monday after the River Thames burst its banks, as a political row over the handling of devastating winter storms erupted into the open. The Environment Agency issued 14 severe flood warnings -- meaning lives are at risk -- for the Thames in the affluent counties of Surrey and Berkshire to the west of London. AFP PHOTO / BEN STANSALL (Photo credit should read BEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images)

BRIDGWATER, UNITED KINGDOM - FEBRUARY 10: Worker's continue to build flood defences around the home of Sam Notaro in the flooded village of Moorland on the Somerset Levels on February 10, 2014 in Somerset, England. Thousands of acres of the Somerset Levels have been under water for weeks, yet flood levels are still rising and worryingly, more rain is forecast for later this week. (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images)

DATCHET, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 10: Beatrix Thurner is evacuated from a flooded house with Ruby, a family pet, after the river Thames burst it's banks on February 10, 2014 in Datchet, England. The Environment Agency has issued severe flood warnings for a number of areas on the river Thames west of London. (Photo by Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images)

DATCHET, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 10: Beatrix Thurner is evacuated from a flooded house with Ruby, a family pet, after the river Thames burst it's banks on February 10, 2014 in Datchet, England. The Environment Agency has issued severe flood warnings for a number of areas on the river Thames west of London. (Photo by Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images)

DATCHET, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 10: Beatrix Thurner paddles her boat as she removes possessions from a house threatened by rising flood water after the river Thames burst it's banks on February 10, 2014 in Datchet, England. The Environment Agency has issued severe flood warnings for a number of areas on the river Thames west of London. (Photo by Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images)

WALTON-ON-THAMES, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 10: A Fire and Rescue crew help evacuate residents from flood-affected homes adjacent to the river Thames in Walton-on-Thames on February 10, 2014 in London, England. The Environment Agency has issued severe flood warnings for a number of areas on the river Thames west of London.. (Photo by Oli Scarff/Getty Images)

WALTON-ON-THAMES, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 10: Residents leave their flood-affected home adjacent to the river Thames in Walton-on-Thames on February 10, 2014 in London, England. The Environment Agency has issued severe flood warnings for a number of areas on the river Thames west of London.. (Photo by Oli Scarff/Getty Images)

ETON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 10: Swan swim in a lane near where the river Thames has burst it's banks on February 10, 2014 in Eton, England. The Environment Agency has issued severe flood warnings for a number of areas on the river Thames west of London. (Photo by Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images)

WALTON-ON-THAMES, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 10: Flood waters surround homes adjacent to the river Thames in Walton-on-Thames on February 10, 2014 in London, England. The Environment Agency has issued severe flood warnings for a number of areas on the river Thames west of London.. (Photo by Oli Scarff/Getty Images)

WALTON-ON-THAMES, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 10: A Fire and Rescue crew help evacuate residents from flood-affected homes adjacent to the river Thames in Walton-on-Thames on February 10, 2014 in London, England. The Environment Agency has issued severe flood warnings for a number of areas on the river Thames west of London.. (Photo by Oli Scarff/Getty Images)

Resident Clare Mallard carries a bag as she wades through floodwater in the village of Wraysbury in Berkshire, South East England, on February 10, 2014. Thousands of homes in southeast England were braced for flooding on Monday after the River Thames burst its banks, as a political row over the handling of devastating winter storms erupted into the open. The Environment Agency issued 14 severe flood warnings -- meaning lives are at risk -- for the Thames in the affluent counties of Surrey and Berkshire to the west of London. AFP PHOTO / BEN STANSALL (Photo credit should read BEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images)

ETON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 10: A swan swims in sight of Windsor Castle where the river Thames has burst it's banks in an area known as The Brocas on February 10, 2014 in Eton, England. The Environment Agency has issued severe flood warnings for a number of areas on the river Thames west of London. (Photo by Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images)

WALTON-ON-THAMES, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 10: Flood waters surround homes adjacent to the river Thames in Walton-on-Thames on February 10, 2014 in London, England. The Environment Agency has issued severe flood warnings for a number of areas on the river Thames west of London.. (Photo by Oli Scarff/Getty Images)

WALTON-ON-THAMES, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 10: A Fire and Rescue crew help evacuate residents from flood-affected homes adjacent to the river Thames in Walton-on-Thames on February 10, 2014 in London, England. The Environment Agency has issued severe flood warnings for a number of areas on the river Thames west of London.. (Photo by Oli Scarff/Getty Images)

WALTON-ON-THAMES, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 10: A Fire and Rescue crew help evacuate residents from flood-affected homes adjacent to the river Thames in Walton-on-Thames on February 10, 2014 in London, England. The Environment Agency has issued severe flood warnings for a number of areas on the river Thames west of London.. (Photo by Oli Scarff/Getty Images)

ETON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 10: Swans swim in sight of Windsor Castle where the river Thames has burst it's banks in an area known as The Brocas on February 10, 2014 in Eton, England. The Environment Agency has issued severe flood warnings for a number of areas on the river Thames west of London. (Photo by Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images)

DATCHET, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 10: A car lies half submergeged in flood water from the river Thames on February 10, 2014 in Datchet, England. The Environment Agency has issued severe flood warnings for a number of areas on the river Thames west of London. (Photo by Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images)

A picture shows flood water surrounding a home in the village of Wraysbury in Berkshire, South East England, on February 10, 2014. Thousands of homes in southeast England were braced for flooding on Monday after the River Thames burst its banks, as a political row over the handling of devastating winter storms erupted into the open. The Environment Agency issued 14 severe flood warnings -- meaning lives are at risk -- for the Thames in the affluent counties of Surrey and Berkshire to the west of London. AFP PHOTO / BEN STANSALL (Photo credit should read BEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images)

ETON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 10: A swan swims in sight of Windsor Castle where the river Thames has burst it's banks in an area known as The Brocas on February 10, 2014 in Eton, England. The Environment Agency has issued severe flood warnings for a number of areas on the river Thames west of London. (Photo by Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images)

WALTON-ON-THAMES, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 10: A Fire and Rescue crew help evacuate residents from flood-affected homes adjacent to the river Thames in Walton-on-Thames on February 10, 2014 in London, England. The Environment Agency has issued severe flood warnings for a number of areas on the river Thames west of London.. (Photo by Oli Scarff/Getty Images)

DATCHET, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 10: A man helps local shop keepers with sandbags as flood water continues to rise after the river Thames burst it's banks on February 10, 2014 in Datchet, England. The Environment Agency has issued severe flood warnings for a number of areas on the river Thames west of London. (Photo by Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images)

DATCHET, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 10: Locals wade through flood water after the river Thames burst it's banks on February 10, 2014 in Datchet, England. The Environment Agency has issued severe flood warnings for a number of areas on the river Thames west of London. (Photo by Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images)

DATCHET, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 10: A man brings a family member home on a boat after flood water continues to rise after the river Thames burst it's banks on February 10, 2014 in Datchet, England. The Environment Agency has issued severe flood warnings for a number of areas on the river Thames west of London. (Photo by Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images)

DATCHET, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 10: Locals look at flooded railway lines after river Thames burst it's banks on February 10, 2014 in Datchet, England. The Environment Agency has issued severe flood warnings for a number of areas on the river Thames west of London. (Photo by Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images)

Cars are abandoned as flood waters receed in New Brighton, north west England, on December 5, 2013 after high winds and flooding hit the north of England and Scotland. A fierce storm battered northern Europe, leaving three people dead or missing, causing mass transport disruption and threatening the biggest tidal surge in decades.

RHYL, UNITED KINGDOM - DECEMBER 05: RNLI rescue personnell work through the night searching flooded properties for people not already evacuated as emergency services prepare for the next high tide on December 5, 2013 in Rhyl, United Kingdom. Storms across Britain has resulted in two deaths and the evacuation of thousand of people. High winds and high tides caused by low atmospheric pressure has created flooding in many coastal towns. Emergency services are monitoring coastal defences as the next high tide are due in the early hours of Friday.

A flood warning sign is displayed on a street where flood waters have risen to the front doors of houses, in Great Yarmouth, in the east of England, on December 6, 2013 after a tidal surge hit locations along the east coast of Britain. Parts of Britain were braced for flooding as the North Sea surge, predicted to be the worst for 60 years reached parts of the coast.

A postman stops and looks at a flooded street in Lowestoft, in the east of England, on December 6, 2013 after a tidal surge hit locations along the east coast of Britain. British authorities evacuated thousands of people from coastal towns in Britain after a huge storm lashing northern Europe unleashed the worst tidal surge in 60 years, officials said.

Firemen walk past a flooded street in Lowestoft, in the east of England, on December 6, 2013 after a tidal surge hit locations along the east coast of Britain. British authorities evacuated thousands of people from coastal towns in Britain after a huge storm lashing northern Europe unleashed the worst tidal surge in 60 years, officials said.

A woman carries a baby seat retreived from a car on a flooded street after flood waters breached the Humber Estuary flood defence wall at South Ferriby in north east England on December 6, 2013. British authorities evacuated thousands of people from coastal towns in Britain after a huge storm lashing northern Europe unleashed the worst tidal surge in 60 years, officials said.

TOVIL, UNITED KINGDOM - DECEMBER 25: An abandoned vehicle lies in floodwater on December 25, 2013 in Tovil, United Kingdom. Christmas plans have been badly affected for thousands of people after storms across the UK have resulted in flooding, power cuts and significant problems with transport infrastructure.

YALDING, UNITED KINGDOM - DECEMBER 25: Emergency services operate in the flood hit town of Yalding on December 25, 2013 in Yalding, United Kingdom. Christmas plans have been badly affected for thousands of people after storms across the UK have resulted in flooding, power cuts and significant problems with transport infrastructure.

LINGFIELD, UNITED KINGDOM - DECEMBER 27: A Landrover makes it's way along a flooded road near Lingfield on December 27, 2013 in England. High winds and flooding are continuing to cause problems in parts of southern England. Some homes are still without power.

A car passes through a flooded section of road in the village of Hildenborough in south-east England, on December 30, 2013. Gales and rain returned to Britain last week causing fresh disruption to transport and the power network.

LEATHERHEAD, ENGLAND - JANUARY 02: Flood water from the River Mole rises after recent heavy rain on January 2, 2014 in Leatherhead, England. Government ministers are holding a COBRA emergency committee meeting today to discuss the United Kingdom's response to recent flooding.

YALDING, ENGLAND - JANUARY 02: A couple in a canoe pass submerged vehicles in a car park at Teapot Island Leisure Grounds on January 2, 2014 near Yalding, England. Government ministers are holding a COBRA emergency committee meeting today to discuss the United Kingdom's response to recent flooding.

LANGPORT, ENGLAND - JANUARY 02: A Nissan 4x4 drives though flood water close to the village of Muchelney that has been cut off by flooding on January 2, 2014 near Langport in Somerset, England. Government ministers are holding a COBRA emergency committee meeting today to discuss the United Kingdom's response to recent flooding.

YALDING, ENGLAND - JANUARY 02: Flood water surrounds caravans at the Little Venice Country Park on January 2, 2014 in Yalding, England. Government ministers are holding a COBRA emergency committee meeting today to discuss the United Kingdom's response to recent flooding.

TAUNTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 02: Flooded fields can be seen near the village of Burrowbridge on January 2, 2014 near Taunton in Somerset, England. Government ministers are holding a COBRA emergency committee meeting today to discuss the United Kingdom's response to recent flooding.

Floods in Rhyl as people are rescued by the RNLI. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday December 5, 2013. See PA story .

People are rescued by the RNLI from the floods in Rhyl as heavy seas and high tides sweep across the country.

People are rescued by the RNLI from the floods in Rhyl as heavy seas and high tides sweep across the country.

A man walks through the floods in Rhyl as heavy seas and high tides sweep across the country.

People are rescued by the RNLI from the floods in Rhyl as heavy seas and high tides sweep across the country.

People are rescued by the RNLI from the floods in Rhyl as heavy seas and high tides sweep across the country.

People are rescued by the RNLI from the floods in Rhyl as heavy seas and high tides sweep across the country.

People are rescued by the RNLI from the floods in Rhyl as heavy seas and high tides sweep across the country.

A local resident walk through a flooded road in Godalming in Surrey after floods hit the area. Many people are facing a miserable Christmas Day in the wake of the stormy weather with thousands either evacuated from their homes or left without power.

A cyclist braves a flooded road in Godalming in Surrey after floods hit the area. Many people are facing a miserable Christmas Day in the wake of the stormy weather with thousands either evacuated from their homes or left without power.

A house which is flooded in Leatherhead in Surrey after floods hit the area. Many people are facing a miserable Christmas Day in the wake of the stormy weather with thousands either evacuated from their homes or left without power.

A fire engine drives through a flooded road in Godalming in Surrey after floods hit the area. Many people are facing a miserable Christmas Day in the wake of the stormy weather with thousands either evacuated from their homes or left without power.

A local residents walk round the edge of a flooded road in Godalming in Surrey after floods hit the area. Many people are facing a miserable Christmas Day in the wake of the stormy weather with thousands either evacuated from their homes or left without power.